Makeup artists say this is the one thing you must use

As a beauty director I cross paths with professional makeup artists day in and day out. I never miss the opportunity to ask them a question - one of my favourites is what is the one item you think we all need.

Image: Instagram/@Nudebynature

"I get this question a lot," says makeup artist Clint Dowdell, global ambassador for the brand Nude By Nature.

"And my answer is always this - makeup brushes."

"Look at it this way, if you were going to paint a wall, would you use fingers or a brush?

"I’m a huge advocate of finishing off applications with the fingers to really warm it into the skin, but to get a smooth, professional application, brushes are required."

Brushes for all occasions!

Image: Instagram/@Nudebynature

Seems pretty clear. We need brushes, according to Clint. And so we have to ask the next question - which ones exactly and what for?

"Depends on the job," he says.

"For each job there are specific brushes, so a liquid foundation needs a liquid foundation brush and so on."

Clint - makeup artist and lover of brushes.

Image: Instagram/@Clintdowdell

But, if you want surefire brushes that will cover you go with this lot, says Clint.

A Mineral Brush (for powder foundation)

A Liquid Foundation Brush

A Blush Brush (also for bronzer)

A Finishing Brush (to set makeup)

An Eyeshadow Brush

An Angled Brush (for liner)

Makeup artist Helen Dowsley says you can get away with even fewer brushes if you choose a couple of clever multi-taskers.

"Makeup artists love nothing more than a brush that can do it all in terms of makeup application," she says.

For that she likes a stippling brush.

"It can be used very easily on both creams and powders and gives a soft-focused effect," she adds.

One for everything - makeup brushes by Nude By Nature.

Image: Instagram/@Nudebynature

Me, I'm still a fan of fingertips I'm afraid but I'n happy to give brushes a try. And who knows - perhaps I'll stick with them forever.

Stay tuned.

Kelly BakerKelly Baker has been a beauty director for more years than she cares to mention. She loves mascara (but not the clumpy kind) and has spent much of her life hunting down the perfect red lipstick. She's found it by the way! Kelly loves black eyeliner but is yet to master the cat eye. She has hope though - one day she will crack it.